Common Athletic Injuries of the Ankle

Ankle Sprains

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Peroneal Tendon Injuries

Achilles Tendon Tears

Common Injuries of the Ankle in Athletes

Ankle Sprains

An injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle

Ligaments

What’s an Ankle Sprain?

Connect two bones and hold a joint together

3 lateral ligaments in the ankle give you stability

Medial ligaments also help stabilize the ankle

In an ankle sprain, ligament(s) are either stretched or torn

Less Severe More Severe

Some Sprains Are Worse Than Others

Stretched Partially Torn Completely Torn More Ligaments Injured or Fractured

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle Pain or soreness

Swelling

Bruising

Difficulty walking

Stiffness in the joint

Seek prompt medical attention

What Should You Do?

Follow-up with a specialist—a foot and ankle surgeon

Ice, elevate and rest!

Treatment for Ankle Sprains Splinting or casting

Rest, ice, compression

Medication

Physical therapy

More severe cases may require surgery to repair the ligament(s).

Chronic LateralAnkle Instability

A “giving way” of the outer side of the ankle

This “giving way” can lead to an ankle sprain

Often caused by having previous sprains

What’s Chronic Ankle Instability?

Proper rehabilitation (physical therapy):

Proper Rehabilitation Can Help Prevent This Condition . . . and Future Sprains

Strengthens foot and ankle muscles

“Retrains” the ankle for better balance

Ankle feels wobbly

A repeated turning of the ankle

Chronic swelling and discomfort

Pain or tenderness

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability

Non-surgical treatment

Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability

Physical therapy

Bracing

Medications

Surgery Repair or reconstruction of damaged ligament(s)

Non-surgical treatment

Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability

Physical therapy

Bracing

Medications

Surgery Repair or reconstruction damaged ligament(s)

Non-surgical treatment

Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability

Physical therapy

Bracing

Medications

Surgery Repair or reconstruction damaged ligament(s)

Acute (sudden) tears

Subluxation

Peroneal Tendon Injuries

Two tendons behind the outer ankle bone

Stabilize the foot

Protect against sprains

The Peroneal Tendons

Pain

Swelling

Weakness of the foot and ankle

With time, the foot shape may change

The Symptoms of a Peroneal Tendon Tear

One or both tendons slip out of position

Can occur after trauma, such as a sprained ankle

Early treatment is a must!

Subluxation of the Peroneal Tendon(s)

A snapping feeling of the tendon around the ankle bone

Sporadic pain behind the outside ankle bone

Ankle instability or weakness!

Symptoms of a Peroneal Tendon Subluxation

Splinting or casting

Oral or injected medications

Physical therapy

Bracing

In some cases, surgery is necessary

Treatment for Peroneal Tendon Injuries

Achilles Tendon Tears

Runs down the back of the low leg

Connects the calf muscle to the heel bone

Helps to raise the heel off the ground

The Achilles Tendon: The “Heel Cord”

Can be a complete tear or partial tear

Occurs when the tendon is stretched too much

Can occur with jumping, pivoting, sudden accelerations in running

Common among “weekend warriors”

What Causes an Achilles Tendon Tear?

Sudden pain

Pain may then subside to a dull ache

Popping or snapping sensation

Swelling

Difficult to walk (especially upstairs or uphill) and difficult to rise on toes

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Tear

Non-surgical treatment

Treatment Options for an Achilles Tendon Tear

Higher likelihood of re-tearing the tendon

Wearing a cast, walking boot, or brace

Surgery Lower likelihood of re-tearing the tendon

May increase push-off strength

May improve muscle function and ankle movement

New England Podiatry Associates2 locations:1244 Boylston St., Suite 101Chestnut Hill, MA 02467phone: 617-232 1752

Newton Wellesley Hospital2000 Washington St.Green Building, Suite 470Newton, MA 02462phone: 617 630 8280

For Ankle Injuries, Seek Prompt Medical Attention